Traffic signal



Feb. 15, 1944. M. GARLAND TRAFFIC SIGNAL Filed Sept, 4, 1941 v :s Sheds-Sheet 1 'M. GARLAND I Feb. 15, 1944.

TRAFFIC SIGNAL Filed Sept. 4, 1941 s She ets-Sheet 2 Feb. 15, 1944. M; GARLAND TRAFFIC SIGNAL Filed Sept. 4, 1941 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Feb. 15, 1944 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE TRAFFIC SIGNAL Mather Garland, Mound, Minn.

Application September 4, 1941, Serial No. 409,500

9 Claims.

This invention relates to visible traflic signals and trafiic systems, and particularly to such a signalling system which will very efiectively attract attention through animation and indicate traflic changes through distinctive, successive illumination of two or more series of lights.

Trafiic signals employing signal lenses, colored lights and timed circuit controlling means have been widely used at street intersections, grade crossings and the like to indicate go and stop, and oftentimes to also give a warning of traffic change. While reasonably satisfactory when disposed on street corners, central towers, or overhanging supports, they are confusing to color-blind people and oftentimes are not noticed by drivers since no particular means have been employed for attracting and obtaining the drivers attention, or causing the driver to locate the position of the signal device.

It is an object of my invention to provide a comparatively simple light-operated trafiic signalling system which employs two or more series of lights mounted behind a signalling lens and each series arranged in a predetermined directional path together with time-controlled means for successively illuminating and extinguishing lights of a series through a predetermined cycle to produce a striking optical animation riveting the attention of the driver upon the signal, and to further indicate through the directional cycle of successive illumination a desired signal, even though the observer is color-blind to the extent of being unable to distinguish red from green light.

It is a further object to provide a traffic signalling system of the class described wherein traiiic change signals will continue to be given even tho-ugh one of the signalling lights becomes burned out or inefiective and wherein the burning out of any one of the lights will be readily indicated to an operator or trafiic policeman.

More specifically, it is an object to provide a visible traflic signalling system wherein two or more lights indicating go are arranged in a predetermined path, and two or more lights indicating step are arranged in a difierent and distinctive predetermined path, and wherein time-controlled circuit making and breaking means are employed to successively illuminate or flash the lights of each series in a distinctive,

predetermined manner producing a distinctive, directional, optical eliect upon the eyes of the observer for each of the signals given.

These and other objects and advantages of my invention will be more apparent from the fol- 55 lowing description made in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the several views, and in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of one form of a signalling device'embodied in my traflic signalling system, a portion of one of the signallin members being broken away to show some of the reflection compartments and lights within;

Figure. 2 is a cross section taken on the line 2-2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a plan view of the back of a suitable form of signalling lens detached;

Figure 4 is a schematic electrical diagram of the circuits and circuit-operating mechanism of the form of invention embodied in the signal devices shown in Figures 1 to 3, inclusive;

Figure 5 is a front elevation with a part of the signal lens broken away with another part of the signal device embodied in my invention;

Figure 6. is a cross section taken on the line 6-6 of Figure 5, and

Figure 7 is a plan view of the back of one of the signal lenses illustrated in Figures 5 and 6.

'In the form of my invention illustrated in Figures l to 4, inclusive, one or more signal devices are employed for location either centrally of an intersection or on street corners, in which latter case two or four are utilized. As shown, each of the signalling devices comprises a box-like casing 5 I having at least tworectangularly disposed, substantially vertical signalling faces provided with translucent signalling lenses I2. In the drawings the rectangular casing H has four of such signalling faces for signalling traflic in two directions; that is, on two intersecting streets. Each of said signalling faces is provided behind the lens with a main light reflector l3 having mounted therein, as shown, three series of Signalling lights, each series being arranged in a distinctive, predetermined directional path. The structure of the signal light apparatus for the several units or faces is similar, and therefore only one will be described in detail, similar reference numerals being applied to each apparatus.

Dish-shaped reflector 13 of each electrical signalling apparatus is divided by circularly arranged partition elements l4 into two essential concentric signalling chambers for indicating stop and go. A series of circumferentially spaced go lights Gl, G2, G3 and G4 are arranged in the go signalling chamber defined between the peripheral edge of reflector I3 and the partition elements I4. 7

A series of circumferentially spaced stop lights SI, s2, S3 and S4 are mounted in the stop signalling chamber of reflect-or I3 disposed in concentric arrangement with the go signal lights, and, as shown, mounted inwardly of partition elements It and between said partition elements and a second series of partition elements I5 concentrically disposed of reflector l2.

Warning signal or traffic change signal lights Al and A2, as shown four in number, are mounted in reflector I2 intermediate of the two series of lights first described, and, as shown, arranged on the four corners of a square, the two lights Al being in vertical arrangement and the two lights A2 being in horizontal arrangement. Sectorshaped chambers are formed for these warning lights, as shown defined by radially extending partitions l 5 although such partitions and chambers are not necessary for the successful operation of the signalling device.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the go signalling lights are arranged in a circular, predetermined directional path; that the stop signalling lights are arranged in a concentric and different predetermined circular directional path, and that the warning signal lights are arranged in a distinctive pattern or directional path at four corners of a square or cross.

Means are provided for transmitting distinctively colored light rays when the lights of each of said series are illuminated. While distinctively colored electric lamps may be utilized, I prefer, as shown, to provide colored, transparent or translucent panels covering the respective chambers or compartments for the several lights disposed respectively therebehind.

As shown in the drawings, the said colored panels are secured to the inner face of each of the signalling lenses [2 used, being bonded thereto by transparent adhesive or, if desired, secured thereto by any suitable means. As shown in Figure 3, sector-shaped green panels I! constructed of colored cellulose material or, if desired, a coating of translucent paint, are applied (as shown four in number) contingent to the peripheral edge of lens 12 spaced apart by segmental amber colored 1 panels it of similar material overlying the chambers for the warning signal lights Al and A2. A second series of red colored panels H] are disposed between the spaced segmental panels l8 and are disposed concentrically of the green panels I! in position to overlie the chambers or the stop lights S! to S4, inclusive. When the lenses [2 are properly positioned over the reflectors l3 and secured thereto by suitable means such as the rims l2a, the chambers defined by partitions I4, I5 and H3 will be properly covered with the appropriately colored panel or coating.

The several signal lights mounted in their reflector casings are supported in conventional electrical sockets and the sockets are properly wired, as shown in Figure 2, for electrical connection with circuit-controlling means and a source of electrical energy.

Electrical circuit-controlling means is provided for successively operating the several lights of each signalling series through predetermined cycles and during predetermined time periods. In the operation of each signal face the green lights GI, G2, G3 and G4 are successively flashed or operated in a counter-clockwise, circular directional path, such circulatory flashing being continued for the desired time period for trafiic to move in, let us say, north and south directions.

Thereafter the warning lights Al and A2 (two in each series) are successively operated or flashed in the predetermined vertical and horizontal paths for a relatively short interval of time. Immediately thereafter the stop lights SI, S2, S3 and S4 are successively illuminated in clockwise rotation and such clockwise cycle through a circular path is continued for a predetermined period of time during which traflic is stopped. The operation of the go and stop series of signal lights on the adjacent face or faces of the signal for controlling east and west traffic is similar to that described, successive illumination of the lamps of each series being in similar counterclockwise and clockwise directions, but, of course, the go series of signal lights on the east and west faces of the device are operated simultaneously with the flashing of the stop series of signals on the north and south faces of the device.

Various mechanism may, of course, be utilized for controlling the animated illumination of the signal, and I have illustrated schematically in Figure 4 of the drawings only one form of circuitoperating means suitable for the purposes intended. The circuit-controlling apparatus may be housed within the center of the signal casing H or may, as will in most instances be the case, located remotely from the signal device or devices and may control the signal devices at a'number of street intersections. The circuit-controlling apparatus illustrated schematically in Figure 4 includes a motor driven flasher drum 5!], a distributor drum El, and various circuits, brushes and plates related with the signalling devices. As shown, the flasher drum 56 is driven at relatively high speed direct from motor M while distributor drum 5| is driven at relatively slow speed through the large gear 52 meshed with the very small driving gear 53 mounted on the motor shaft. At the right-hand side of the sheet (Figure 4) the signal lights for one of the north and south faces of the signal and for one of the east and west faces are schematically laid out, only one of the two vertical amber warning lights being shown, and, likewise, only one of the horizontal amber lights A2 being shown since the two lamps of each set are flashed simultaneously. The development of the distributor drum is illustrated in the left-hand side of the sheet comprisingan insulated drum having a metal slip ring 54 adjacent one edge thereof, said slip ring being engaged by a brush 55 which is connected by a conductor 56 with one side of the line from which the'source of electricity is derived. Secured to the non-conductive drum are, as shown, four segmental contact plates arranged in staggered and successive relation, the shorter plates 51 and 58 being connectible with a brush 59 for operating the warning signal lights A! and A2. The intermediate inner plate 60 is positioned to engage the brush 6| for operation of the green lights on one signal face and simultaneously the red lightson an adjacent signal face. The conductive plate 62 is in position to be wiped by a brush 63 for operation of the red lights on one signal face and simultaneously the green lights on the adjacent signal face.

On the flasher drum 50 two spaced slip rings 64 and 65 are provided for supplying current respectively to the red lights on one of the signal faces and simultaneously the green lights on the adjacent signalling face. Slip ring 64 is wiped by a brush 66 which is connected by wire 61 with brush 63 on the distributor drum. Slip ring 65 is wiper by brush 68 which is connected by wire 69 with the brush 6| of the distributor drum.

As shown, the flasher drum is divided by slip ring it into left and right sectionseach. section of the non-conductive; drumv having: mounted. thereon a series of. four'sector"contactplates corresponding to the number. or lights in. one of the red or green signalling series, said plates being staggered. and successively" disposed and elec-,

trically connected by wires with" the current-feed ing slip ring 64' or 65, as: the case may be. Thus on the left-hand section: the contact plate H1 is positioned to engage a brush H" which is connected by wire i=2 with the. red. light: RI of one of the signalling faces and with the green light G! of the adjacent signalface'. 'The'next contact plate 89 on the left-hand section of flasher drum is mounted for engagement with the brush 13 which is connected by'wire M with: the red light R2 of the-first signallingv face and the green light G2 of. the adjacent signalling face; The next contact plate 90 is positioned; for engagement with a brush 15 which is electrically connected. by a wire 16? with the red light R3 of the first signalling face and with the green light GS of the second signalling face. The last. contact plate I09 of the left-hand section of the flasher drum is positioned for engagement with brush 1'! which is electrically connected by a wire 13 with the red light R4 of the first signalling face and the green. light G l of. the second signalling face.

Thus, in one rotation of the flasher drum through the contacts and associated brushes at the left-hand section of thatdrum, the redlights on the: first signalling face of the signal device will be successively illuminated in clockwise direction, while the green lights on the second signalling, face will be simultaneously flashed or illuminated successively in counter-c1ochwise direction.

With reference to the mechanism associated with the right-hand section of thefiasher drum to the first sector contact plate H0 is positioned to engage the brush 8! which is connected by wire 82 with the green light Gt of the first signalling face and with the red light RI of the second signalling face. A second contact plate I29 is positioned for engagement with a brush 83 electrically connected by'wire 3A with the green light G2 of the first signalling face and with the red light R2 of the second signalling. face. The third contact plate l3!) is positioned forv engagement with a brush t5 electrically connected by wire 86 with the green. light G3 of the first signalling face and with the red light R3 of the second signalling face. The last contact plate Mil of the righthand section of the flash-er drum is-positioned for engagement with a brush tl electrically connected by wire 88 with the green light G4 of the first signalling face and the red light R4 of the second signalling face.

Thus it will be seen during one revolution of the flasher drum 50', when slipring 65- is electrically connected with a source of energy through the distributor drum during engage ment of the brush 6| with contact plate 68 of the distributor drum, then green lights of the first signalling face will be flashed successively in counter-clockwise direction while the red lights of the second face of the signal will be simultaneously and successively flashed in clockwise direction.

At such times as the'brush: 59 on the'distr-ibutor drum is in contact with one or the other of the contact plates 51' and 58, the corresponding warning signal lamps A1 and A2 (two for each signal face) areilluminated;

During the cycle of operation of the distributor animated illuminations for drum. 5!, when. the sector contact plate: 62 of'the drum is incontact with brush 831 current is supplied to slip ring 64 of theflasher drum and the red lights of the first signal will be successively flashed in. clockwise direction through the successive engagement. of'fiasher drum plates 10, 80, 9!] and I00 with brushes I l, I3, 15 and Ti. Simultaneously the green lights of the second or east and westisignal. will be successively flashed in counter-clockwise rotation.

The flashing. of the respective green and red lights andalso warning signal lights, if they are flashed. behind the common lens l2 of each signalling face, produces animation of light rays, giving the optical effect of circulatory light movemerit with considerable emanation and dispersion of light raysto attractv very effectively a driver's. or pedestrians attention to the signal. The optical. effect created is distinctly different becauseof the interposition of the common lens on each signaling face. from a successive operation. of independent spaced lights which are'not arranged in a. common reflector or. behind a common lens. The successive flashing of lights through the several predetermined directional paths indicate by the directional travel of the light rays a go or stop signal and thus a color-blind person. familiar with the predetermined directional path utilized may readily understand the signal, although he may not be able to distinguish'green, red and amber colors.

Furthermore, since each signalling media includes a number of lights a signal will be effectively given even though one of the lights burns out or becomes disconnected. Thus the danger which is present in mosttrafiic signalling systems isobviated, while nevertheless the burning out of one or more lights may be readily detected by an operator, traffic policeman or by'the public.

In Figures 5 to 7 a somewhat difierent form of signalling device is illustrated, the several lights utilized. for signals, however, being arranged in predetermined directional pathsan'd' being successively operated to give distinctively different go, top rid warning signals. In the signal device of Figures Etc 7, four signalling faces are provided, although it will, of course, be understood that one or two may be utilized in certain installations. The apparatus for each signalling face includes a dish-shaped reflector l3 positioned vertically and divided as shown by radialpartiticns i5fl' into a series of segmental light chambers. The partitions may be'eliminated, if desired, with fairly successful results. Partitions I50, as shown, extend from the periphery of reflector l3 to a cylindrical central'partition l5! mounted concentric of the reflector. Within the cylindrical partition i511, as shown, reflectorcompartments are formed for three electric lamps G2, R2 and A2 arranged, as shown, substantially triangularly and each of said lights cooperating with two or more other lights in a predetermined directional path arrangement. As shown, the interior of the cy1indric'al partition if! is divided by radial partitions l'5la', although these partitions may be eliminated if desired. Go lights GI and G3 are mounted in vertical arrangement aligned with the intermediate line G2 and disposed within the upper and lower segmental chambers defined by partitions I50. Stop lights RI and R3 are arranged horizontally', being disposed respectively in the left-hand and right-hand segmental chambers of reflector l3 and nearly in alignment with the central "stop light R2. Warning signal lights AI and A3 are arranged obliquely and-sub stantially in alignment with theinterm'ediate warning light A2, being disposed in the appropriate segmental chambers, as shown in Figure 5.

Thus the directional flasher path of the go lights, which preferably give a green colored signal from the exterior of the lens I2, is up and down through a straight line vertical path. The flashe path of the stop lights, which preferably give an animated red signal through the lens I2, is horizontal back and forth from left to right of the signal lens, while the warning signal flasher path is oblique, giving preferably'an animated amber flasher signal from, the exterior of lens I2.

While any means may be used to color the rays of light emanated, I have disclosed colored translucent panels, plates or coatings applied to the inner face of the lens I2 in the same manner as in the form of the invention first described. As shown, segmental portions I52 of the inner face of the lens are covered with green material, while horizontally arranged segmental portions I53 are covered with red material and obliquely arranged segmental portions lfi lare covered with amber colored material. The central part of the back of the lens is divided segmentally into three parts and appropriately covered with green material at I55, red material at I56, and amber material at I51.

Suitable electrical circuit-controlling means are provided for operating the circuits controlling the several signalling lamps -of each face of the signal and the general type of circuit-controlling means illustrated in Figure 3 may be utilized, modified if necessary to apply to the particular form of signal device illustrated in Figures 5 to '7.

In both forms of the invention illustrated it will be seen that I have provided an animated traffic signalling system employing for each signal face light-operated signalling media for producing a distinctive moving optical illumination through one predetermined directional path and for producing on said face and behind a common lens another moving optical illumination through a different predetermined directional path. It will further be seen that the animation of the signals and moving emanation of light rays will attract attention to the signal, where steady illumination of one or more signalling lamps through a predetermined period will not. My improved system enables a color-blind person to readily understand the signal after becoming familiar with the several predetermined and distinctive directional paths of successive illumination. Legislation or ordinances may be passed prohibiting advertising signs and animated displays from utilizing the distinctive animated patterns for illumination which are to be utilized in traffic signals. With conventional traffic signalling systems now utilized many colored lights and flashers used in advertising oftentimes confuse the driver.

It will, of course, be understood that Various changes may be made in the form, details, arrangements and proportions of the parts without departing from the scope of my invention.

What is claimed-is: v

1. A traffic signalling system having incombination, a signal device provided with a signalling face or side, a light source mounted behind said face, means associated with said light source and face for producing an illuminated rapidly moving optical effect through a predetermined directional path, means also associated with said light sourceand face for producinga second and distinctivelycolored illuminated, rapidly moving optical effect through a different directional path, and means for timing the operation of each of said directional path cycles and .for continuing the operation of each of said means through a multiplicity of cycles in each instance for a predetermined time.

2. A stop and go trafiic signalling system having in combination, a signal device provided with a signalling face or side, a light source mounted behind said face, means associated with said light source and face for producing an illuminated moving optical effect through a pre-' determined directional path, means also associated with said light source and face for producing a second and distinctively different illuminated moving optical effect through a different directional path, means for timing the operation of each of said directional path cycles and for continuing the operation of each of said means through a multiplicity of cycles in each instance for a pre-determined time, and means for distinctively coloring the light rays emanated in said different cycles of operation.

3. A stop and go traffic signalling system having in combination, a signal device provided with a signalling face of translucent material, a light source mounted behind said face, means associated with said light source and said face for producing a rapidly moving illumination on the external side of said face through an annular path in clockwise direction, means also associated with said lightsource and face for producing a second rapidly moving illumination on the exterior side of said face through an annular path in a counter-clockwise direction, and means for alternately timing the operation of each of said directional path cycles and for continuing the production of moving illumination in each instance throughout a multiplicity of such cycles.

i. A stop and go traffic signalling system having in combination, a signal device provided with a translucent signalling face, a series of lights mounted rearwardly of said face and arranged in a predetermined path, a second series of contrastingly colored lights mounted rearwardly of said signalling face and arranged in a different predetermined path positioned behind a different area of said face, and time controlled means for alternately operating each of said series of lamps throughout a plurality of cycles and in said operation of each series successively and rapidly illuminating and extinguishing lights thereof through a predetermined cycle.

5. The structure set forth in claim 4, wherein each of said series of lights are arranged in a generally amiular or endless path and wherein said time controlled means successively illuminates one series of said lights in clockwise direction and the other series of said lights in counterclockwise direction.

6. The structureset forth in claim 4, wherein said two series of lights are arranged in substan tially straight line paths angled with respect to each other, and wherein said time controlled means successively controls illumination of said lamps in each-series from one end of said path to the other and vice versa.

. 7. A stop and go traffic signallingsystem annular path behind said plate, a second series of contrastingly colored electric lamps mounted in a generally annular path behind said plate, reflecting means behind said lamps, and time controlled means for rapidly and successively i1- luminating and extinguishing the lights of one series in a clockwise direction and throughout a predetermined period of time and for rapidly and successively illuminating and extinguishing the lights of said other series in a counter-clockwise direction throughout a predetermined period of time, said time periods being such that a multiplicity of cycles of illumination of each of said series is efiected.

8. The structure set forth in claim 7, and a third series of electric lamps with means for coloring the light produced in contrast to both said first and second series of lamps designed to give a warning signal, also mounted behind said face in a still difierent predetermined path, said time controlled means periodically operating a circuit for illustrating said last mentioned series of lamps.

9. A visual signalling system for alternately stopping and advancing traffic having in combination, a signalling face of translucent material, a series of closely spaced electrical signal lamps mountedbehind said face and arranged in a predetermined directional path, means for coloring the light produced from said series of lamps a distinctive color, a second series of closely spaced electrical signalling lamps also mounted behind said face and arranged in a different predetermined directional path, means associated with said second series and said path for coloring the light produced thereby a contrasting color to the color produced by said first mentioned members, and circuit-controlling means including a rotary driven member having a multiplicity of contacts adapted to successively and very rapidly close the electrical circuits through one series of said lamps throughout a plurality of complete cycles to indicate go and adapted to thereafter similarly and successively close the circuits through said second series of lamps throughout a plurality of cycles to indicate stop-u MATHER GARLAND. 

